As the weather gets colder, the layers come out. Throwing on a cuddly sweater is an excellent way for humans to stay warm on a particularly cold day, but are dog sweaters a good idea for our dogs? The canine body has a different way of regulating temperature. While it might seem like an obvious (and adorable) instinct to give your dog a sweater on a cold day, it’s not always the best option. Should you make or buy dog sweaters for your canine? Keep reading to find out.
Dogs Built for Winter
Certain breeds have evolved through cold weather conditions with thick, warm coats that keep them from getting cold. These dogs have been bred through generations of cold-weather living, and their coats are designed to keep them warm. Adding a sweater into the mix might make these breeds overheat. Winter-ready breeds that do not need sweaters include:
- Huskies
- Newfoundlands
- Malamutes
- Saint Bernards
Smaller Breeds
Other breeds are NOT built for cold weather and may need a little help from clothes like sweaters to stay warm. Certain breeds with short, thin coats will probably get cold in the winter—especially with our Michigan weather. Other breeds that don’t have a lot of fat during their puppy years might also have difficulty staying warm. These include:
- Chihuahuas
- Mexican hairless dogs
- Chinese crested dogs
- Maltese
- Yorkshire terriers
Dogs Who Feel Cold
An excellent way to tell if your dog might benefit from a sweater is to pay attention to her behavior during the winter. If she spends most of the day snuggled up in blankets, that could be a good indication that she might like a sweater. If your pup tends to stick to tile floors and never cuddles up in a pile of warm blankets, a sweater might be too much. You should also pay attention to signs of cold, like shivering, cold skin, and a reluctance to go outside on cold days.
Is Your Dog Ready for Dog Sweaters?
Should you stock up on dog sweaters? It depends. Breed, age, and personality can all affect the answer to this question. Don’t assume that your dog needs a sweater. Talk to your veterinarian about your dog’s breed and what that means for winter weather. Ultimately, you know your pet better than anyone, so you are the best person to decide if he or she needs a sweater.
If you want to try one out, notice any signs of discomfort. Be sure there is plenty of space around the neck and the legs so the garment does not restrict movement. Also, if your dog tends to chew on ropes or strings, a sweater might not be the best option.
At Union Lake Pet Services, we want to provide resources to help you and your pets live your best lives together. From boarding and daycare services to training and grooming, we make it easy to create the safest and most loving environment for your pets. To learn more about our services, please call (248) 363-6262, or visit unionlakepetservices.com.